Logan Nine Powers Up to Sweep Lindenwood-Belleville Jayvees

April 25, 2016

BY JOHN D. HOMANLogan Media Services

CARTERVILLE - Sophomore A.J. Fuller enjoyed a career day, slugging two home runs and driving in five in the first game of a doubleheader Monday and added two hits and another RBI in the nightcap as the John A. Logan College baseball team swept visiting Lindenwood-Belleville, 12-2 and 14-4.

Fuller was not the only hitting star for the Volunteers in the opener. Logan Kaletha had a home run and triple. Colin Butkiewicz had a homer, single, and four RBIs.

Winning pitcher was freshman Patrick McBride. He went four innings and gave up five hits with three strikeouts and two walks.

Another freshman, Noah Thornburg of Carbonale, hurled the final frame, a scoreless one.

In Game 2, Kaletha accounted for four hits in as many at bats with three doubles and a homer. He had three RBIs and three runs scored.

Sophomore third baseman Doug Parks finally broke loose at the plate, going 3-4 with two homers and five RBIs.

Freshman Marshall Gilbert, who leads the Vols in hitting, added three hits, including a homer and two RBIs.

Sophomore Tyler Robertson banged out two hits with a home run. Tyler Horchem, Cody Birdsong, Lucas Larson, and Fuller all added two hits.

Aaron Novak was winning pitcher. The sophomore struck out seven in four innings of work.

Clay Newton and Gabe Jelley each tossed one inning of relief.

Vols head coach Jerry Halstead said it was gratifying to see his team play so well.

"Really in all phases of the game," he said. "We did today what we were supposed to do against an inferior opponent. We definitely showed some power. I hope what we did today is a confidence builder going forward."

Halstead said sophomore outfielder Jeff Hahs, who experienced a hamstring pull Saturday against Southeastern Illinois, missed Monday's games and is listed as day-to-day.

"It doesn't appear to be as bad as it could have been, so we are hoping to have him back soon."

The Vols improve to 38-9 win the sweep and are scheduled to play at Olney Thursday in the first game of a three-game series to round out the regular season.